Psychology services
You might visit a psychologist for help with concerns about:
- Depression, anxiety, or stress
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Eating disorders
- Fear and phobias
- Low self-esteem
- Post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma
A psychologist can also help with challenges of life such as:
- Stress
- Relationship breakups
- Domestic violence
- Ageing related matters
- Greif and loss
- Health issues
Psychologists are trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
- Solutions Focused Therapy
- Schema Therapy
The psychologist will work with you based on your needs and preferences to create an integrated evidence-based treatment plan. Or, where appropriate, suggest other psychologists or services to better meet your needs.
How to access a psychologist?
Your doctor, paediatrician or psychiatrist can refer you to a psychologist who will work with you to establish the best treatment for your concerns. This is typically via a mental health care plan and part of the government's Better Access Initiative.
You can self-refer to a psychologist by simply making a booking.
Assessment
Assessment will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the client, however, generally include at present:
- Interview with the individual and relevant others.
- Formal testing using standardised measures.
- Outcome measures and questionnaires.
- Feedback session explaining the findings and any recommendations.
- An assessment report.
Please note: the assessment letters or reports are NOT able to be provided for family law or legal purposes.
Assessments currently provided are:
While not necessary to undertake an assessment, it is preferred the individual first discusses their difficulties with their doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist before seeking psychological assessment. A comprehensive referral can be helpful in providing clinical information that will assist in the assessment process.
Cognitive (IQ)
Used for children and adults to determine an individual's overall intellectual ability compared to same-aged peers and to gain understanding of a person's specific strengths and weaknesses. A cognitive assessment my be helpful if:
Intellectual impairment or delay is suspected.
Individual Achievement Test
Used in a variety of settings for ages 4-50 to Identify academic strengths and weaknesses and Diagnosis of specific learning disabilities.